FACES & PLACES
A complete guide to Chilton County for visitors, residents and newcomers a special publication of
THE CLANTON ADVERTISER
FACES AND PLACES 2012
FACES Lally Bates..........................6 MLK Jr. Day Parade...........8 Blast From the Past.............9 Pancake Day.......................9 Christmas in Chilton.........10 Verbena Trade Day...........12
Fourth of July....................12 Relay For Life...................12 Heritage Day.....................13 Swedish Festival...............14 En Fuego...........................15 Peach Festival...................16 Useful information......44-46
Places Mitchell Dam....................22 Ebenezer Church...............30 Maplesville depot..............30 Veterans memorial............31 I-65 tourist stops...............32 Helen Jenkins Chapel.......34
24-Hour Challenge............36 Emergency Management..37 Higgins Ferry....................38 Junction Park....................40 Minooka Park....................41 Hidden Meadow................42 Peach tower.......................43
ON THE COVER: LALLY BATES, LONGTIME CLANTON POSTMASTER AND FOOTBALL BROADCASTER
faces
Your guide to annual Chilton County events
Mr. Chilton County
Bates one of area’s most recognizable faces story By stephen dawkins PHotos By jon goering
L
ally and Janie Bates went to school together. He was a tight end on the football team; she was a cheerleader. When Lally went off to serve his country in the Korean conflict, Janie wrote him letters. Soon after he returned, they married. They’ve been together for 60 years. It’s the all-American story, but it’s also an example of Lally Bates’ commitment to something he believes in. That commitment--to country, community and career--has made Bates one of Clanton’s most recognized residents. Bates’ family moved from Fayette when he was 5. His father worked for Alabama Mills, and they transferred him to the Clanton cotton mill. When he graduated from Chilton County High School at age 17, Bates was ready to follow in the footsteps of five older brothers, who served during World War II, and join the United States Marine Corps. His parents wouldn’t sign off on it. Bates recalls his mother saying, “I’ve given them five boys; I’m not going to give them my sixth.” Jobs were scarce, and Bates didn’t want to go to college, so he enrolled anyway, the day of his 18th birthday, July 27, 1949. After boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., Bates was stationed for a short time at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina before the Korean conflict broke out and he was called to duty. Though in Korea for less than a year, Bates fought in several major battles, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, with a Combat “V.” Bates fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, the
Years of service: Clanton’s Lally Bates (above) earned many honors (opposite page) for his service in the Korean conflict.
most decisive battle in the conflict. He earned the Bronze Star in fighting on May 31, 1951. Bates still has the letter from Major General G.C. Thomas: “...Private First Class Bates, serving as a runner in a rifle platoon, was attacking with the platoon up a steep hill defended by a determined and well entrenched enemy force, when leading elements came under intense and accurate enemy automatic weapons fire from a bunker on commanding ground...he, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved forward through the withering enemy fire to within 10 yards of the bunker, whereupon he threw hand grenades into the openings, effectively neutralizing the position. Although painfully wounded while destroying the bunker, he continued to advance with the platoon until ordered to submit to treatment. His personal courage and initiative were an inspiration to all who observed him, and aided materially in the success achieved by the company.” Bates insists that he didn’t do anything special, anything that his brothers-atarms wouldn’t have also done in the
‘I wasn’t a hero. I was just one of the lucky ones that came back home.’ –Clanton’s Lally Bates on the Korean conflict
same situation. “I wasn’t a hero,” he said. “I was just one of the lucky ones that came back home.” Once he was back home, Bates settled into domestic life. Janie’s father owned the Old Wadesonian Theater and the New Wadesonian Theater. Lally ran the projectors while Janie sold tickets. The two married soon after his return. Bates worked at Stokes Chevrolet until the Clanton Postmaster position came open. Bates’ father was on the Chilton County Democratic Executive Committee, and his leverage led to President Lyndon Johnson appointing Bates to the position. Bates served as postmaster for 35 years. “I never wanted to go anywhere else,” he said. He was the two-time president of the National Association of Postmasters and the first one from the South to be elected by his peers to that position. While serving as postmaster, Bates was in another high-profile position in the community as the voice of the Chilton County High School Tigers football team for the local radio station. Bates retired from the post office and the press box in 2000. The school named the press box after him and installed a plaque to remind future generations of his contributions. He is still visible in the community-and at the football games. He and other members of American Legion Douglas Glass Post 6 raise the American flag before the games. The Legion dedicated the flag pole in 1968. The group also sponsors local students to attend Boys and Girls State and holds a barbecue fundraiser each year in connection with the Peach Festival. Bates was recently recognized for 60 years of service in the American Legion. That’s also how long he and Janie have been married. Just two of the many examples of commitment that have made Bates a Clanton fixture. Faces and places
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martin luther king jr. day parade
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or the past 11 years, Robert and Lucy Binion of Clanton have organized Clanton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. A program at the E.M. Henry Skills Center in West End follows the parade each year, which starts from Jack Hayes Field and ends at the skills center. Parade participants include the Pride of Chilton County High School Marching Band, fire trucks from Clanton and other departments, police and classic cars, city leaders and churches—just name a few. For more information, contact Binion at (205) 299-1873.
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Faces and places
O
ne of the most enduring events in Chilton County has been the musical fundraiser “Blast from the Past” at Chilton County High School. “Blast” is an annual tradition in which students from Chilton County High School sing popular songs from past decades. Each song also includes choreographed dance parts or skits performed by students.
P
ancake Day is held at First United Methodist Church of Clanton on the second Saturday of February each year. It is a fundraiser organized by the United Methodist Men. All proceeds go toward charity and mission work. Plates consist of about three pancakes and two sausage patties, plus all the
blast from the past Ricky and Sheri McKee started the program in 1993. It now features close to 150 students for four performances over two weekends, usually held the last two weekends in February. The cast practices for two months leading up to the opening night. Tickets have been $7 in recent years and can be purchased from CCHS starting in January.
pancake day seconds (or thirds) you can handle. Because of the day’s proximity to Valentine’s Day, many couples make the trip each year. The Methodist Men work a dry run the Friday night before each Pancake Day to ensure things go smoothly the following morning. 10 men usually come in at midnight to grill the sausage
ahead of time, which takes between four and five hours. Just a few hours later, at 5:30 a.m., the real show starts. The Alaga Whitfield Company donates syrup, and Howard Thomas donates pancake mix. To purchase a ticket, see a Methodist Men member or call the church office at 755-0490.
Faces and places
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christmas in chilton county
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very year, the towns of Clanton, Thorsby, Jemison and Maplesville get into the holiday spirit by hosting Christmas parades. Each parade features marching bands, pageant queens, rescue vehicles with lights blazing, politicians, children, flashy vehicles and lots of candy. Clanton’s Christmas Parade is held the first Friday in December at 6 p.m. It involves a route that weaves through downtown and showcases Peach Queens and the Pride of Chilton County High School Band. The town of Maplesville
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Faces and places
holds their parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The time has yet to be decided. It often hosts a large number of floats, as well as the MHS Band. Jemison traditionally holds their parade early in the Yuletide season and prominently features Jemison High’s Blue Regiment Marching Band. Thorsby’s parade date for 2012 has yet to be announced, but typically features the Swedish Queens and the Thorsby High band. A new tradition, started last year, is a Christmas dinner fundraiser following the parade, hosted by the Parent Initiative Team.
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verbena trade day
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t was once one of Verbena’s most celebrated events, and current residents and Verbena High School Band Boosters are working to restore it to its former glory. Verbena Trade Day was initially created to raise money for the VHS Red Devil Regiment Band while providing the community with an outlet for music, arts and crafts, socializing and sampling foods. Band booster Karen Williams said Verbena Trade Day was the event, with vendors and guests filling Magnolia Park. Money raised helps pay for band equipment, uniforms and transportation to away games.
fourth of july
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ach year, Chilton County hosts several events to ring in America’s birthday. Clanton’s annual firework show is always held on the Fourth of July. For more information, contact Clanton City Hall at (205) 755-1105.
The town of Thorsby also holds an annual celebration. In 2012, the event was held at Richard Wood Memorial Park and was filled with music, barbecue and fireworks. For more information, contact Thorsby Town Hall at (205) 646-3575.
A couple of celebrations are also held on Lake Mitchell, including the Cargile Creek Fourth of July fireworks show and boat parades. For more information, contact HOBO President Doug Martin 205-755-0863.
years, and local pastor Robert Griffin took over in 2007. Relay, now chaired by Ann Glasscock, is held at the youth league football field at Clanton City Park. The high-spirited event includes entertainment, cookouts and fun activities. Each fundraising team sets up
campsites around the field, and cancer survivors and their supporters walk around the track to celebrate the continued fight against the disease. For more information, call Glasscock at 755-4340.
relay for life
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hilton County’s Relay For Life event, held every April, raises money for the American Cancer Society. Linda Hand, a breast cancer survivor, started the local version of this national event in 1994. Hand served as the Relay For Life chairwoman for 13
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Faces and places
maplesville heritage day
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he town of Maplesville’s first Heritage Day was held in 2010 as part of The Year of Small Towns and Downtowns in Alabama. The event was turned into an annual homecoming for those who once called the Maplesville area home. It also encompasses surrounding communities such as Lawley, Randolph and Stanton. The third annual Heritage Day was held April 14, 2012. Aside from street vendors and the typical festival fun, many historic homes and businesses were open for tours. These included Maplesville Methodist Church and the Southern Depot Museum, the latter of which contains 100-plus historic pictures and documents. To learn more, call Town Clerk Sheila Haigler at 334-366-4211. Faces and places
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thorsby swedish festival
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he town of Thorsby gets together every October to celebrate its heritage by hosting the annual Swedish Festival. This year’s event, themed ‚“Year of the Viking” will be held Saturday, Oct. 13. The annual parade will begin at 9 a.m., and the opening ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Richard Wood
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Faces and places
Park. The all-day festival will feature numerous activities for the entire family, from parades to the seminars on the town’s history. Richard Wood Park will most of the activity with arts and crafts booths, food vendors, games and other attractions.
The antique car show will be held again this year, and the beauty pageant will take place on two nights during the week, with the official date to be announced. For more information regarding the event, contact Tracia Bussey, Swedish Fest Committee Chairperson at 2170978.
en fuego
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n Fuego is a large, outdoor Christian music festival held every August in Chilton County. More than 15,000 people come to a farm in Verbena to enjoy some of the top Christian recording artists from around the country. 2012 marks the 16th edition of the event, which started out as a small youth group event. Over the years, En Fuego has grown to be one
of the biggest Christian music festivals in the Southeast. Often called “The Woodstock of Christian Music,” En Fuego has hosted many acts, including Third Day, Kutless, Pillar and Family Force 5. For those who are unfamiliar, it is held on an inconspicuous hillside along County Road 23 near Verbena. The all-day event is attended by all ages but
especially targets student groups. The focal point of En Fuego is the guest speaker, followed by the traditional bonfire En Fuego 2012 will take place Aug. 25 in Verbena. For more information, including directions, complete band lineup and how to volunteer, visit www. enfuegoinfo.com.
Faces and places
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peach festival
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erhaps Chilton County’s best known annual event is the Peach Festival, which occurs during harvest time in June. For two weeks, many events occur throughout the county, from a fishing tournament and 5k run to a cook-off (of course, with peaches), pageants, the Peach Jam. Peach Classic Fishing Tournament The Peach Classic fishing tournament, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chilton County, has been held traditionally on a Saturday in June at Higgins Ferry Park. In 2012, the entry fee was $100 per boat, including $10 for a “big fish” contest. Guaranteed payouts were $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place, $500 for third place and $250 for fourth place. Those interested can learn more information by calling Rotary member Carl Mims at 646-2641.
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Faces and places
Peach Run The annual Peach Run is sponsored by Cornerstone Fitness & Wellness in Clanton. In 2012, the Peach Run was held Saturday, June 23. There is always both a 5k and a 10k run through downtown Clanton. One of the best places to watch the race is along Alabama Highway 145 between Cornerstone (located just north of Chilton Medical Center) and downtown. Registration in 2012 was $30. There were cash prizes and winners named in several age divisions in both male and female categories. For more information, call Lori Patterson at 280-6450. Peach Cook-Off The annual Peach Cook-off is held at Thorsby First Baptist Church. The contest includes all kinds of dishes—the only catch is they must include fresh Chilton County peaches. There is always a guest chef and other entertainment. Admission is free, and people don’t have to compete to attend. Cash prizes are awarded in two age divisions, adult and youth. After judging, people in attendance have a change to sample all the entries. For more information, call the local office of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at 280-6268.
Miss Peach Pageants There are four categories in the Miss Peach Pageants, which are: Little Miss (ages 5-7), Young Miss (8-11), Junior Miss (12-14) and Miss (15-18). The pageants are always on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday night. Winners earn scholarships and other prizes. For more information, contact Peach Fest Chairman Wayne Caton at (205) 755-3212. Peach Jam Jubilee The annual Peach Jam Jubilee, sponsored by the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, is held the last Friday night in June. In 2012, GLOW, an eight-piece dance band headlined the event. Local entertainment also performs. There are food vendors and arts and crafts vendors, as well as kids’ rides, games, and more. Call Mike Robertson at the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce at (205) 755-2400 for more information.
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Faces and places
Peach Parade The annual Peach Parade is held the Saturday after the Peach Jam. It starts from behind Fred’s near Clanton City Park and circles through downtown Clanton. Participants will line up at 8 a.m. For more information, call Clanton Police Officer David Hicks at 755-1194. Peach Auction The Peach Auction always follows the parade at Jack Hayes Field in Clanton City Park. Last year’s event raised $13,875. The fundraiser benefits Clanton Lions Club and its charitable work, which includes providing glasses and eye care to children through Alabama Sight. Peach Barbecue After the parade and auction, head to the annual Peach Barbecue at the Clanton City Park pavilion, which lies within walking distance from the auction, along Park Drive. The barbecue is an annual fundraiser sponsored by American Legion Douglas Glass Post 6 and the Ladies Auxiliary.
Faces and places
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places
Your guide to Chilton County attractions
Chilton County Mitchell Dam important to area in many ways story By scott mims PHotos By jon goering
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Faces and places
L
ake Mitchell is one of the treasures that makes people want to visit or live in Chilton County.
More likely than not, the first thought that comes to mind associated with the lake is the year-round recreation it
Local landmark: Construction of Mitchell Dam began in 1921, creating a source of electricity and recreational opportunities.
treasure offers. But it can be easy to forget that without the giant, manmade structure that sits at the south end of Lake Mitchell, the lake — and perhaps the communities around it — wouldn’t even exist. We’re talk-
ing, of course, about Mitchell Dam and Hydroelectric Generating Plant. A visit to a dam can be unforgettable. The sheer size of the structure, the magnitude of its inner workings, and the story of how man was able to har-
ness the power of nature and turn it into electricity is captivating. Those who work at Mitchell every day must have a certain respect for both the Coosa River and the dam itself. As with any job, the goal is absolute safety. “There’s no place that seems any colder in Alabama than standing on that catwalk,” said Plant Superintendent Walter Thornton, describing the experience of raising a spillway gate. Mitchell Dam — named for early Alabama Power President James Mitchell — is constructed of 340,569 cubic yards of concrete, measures 1,277 feet across and stands at a maximum height of 106 feet. There are 25 spillway gates, 22 of them measuring 30 by 15 feet apiece, and three larger ones measuring 30 by 25 feet. When fully opened, each of the “small” gates can handle up to 2.7 million gallons of water per minute, and a maximum 6.2 million gallons per minute gushes through the large gates. The wind and spray from all that water creates quite a chilly effect. “It’s pretty impressive to see the spillway gates open and water flowing from Lake Mitchell to Lake Jordan,” Thornton said. That process has been ongoing since 1923, when the first three turbines were commissioned. Construction on units 1-3 began July 1, 1921, and a fourth unit started operating in 1949. Construction on units 5-7 started in 1977, and these were commissioned in 1985. The first three units were officially retired May 1, 1985. Unit 4 is currently the only turbine operating in the old part of the plant. Basically, the force of the water turns the 22-foot turbines (Unit 4 measures 15 feet across), which are connected to giant shafts. Each turbine/power transformer generates 50 megawatts of electricity per hour. So where does all that energy go? One might think it all stays in the area, but Mitchell Dam is part of a national network of energy plants. The power basically goes wherever it’s needed. “All the lines are tied together, essentially, all through the nation. It’s basically like an interstate system, in and Faces and places
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Faces and places
Antiques: The original turbines (left) and control room (opposite page) are no longer in use but remain in place, reminders of a bygone era.
A
CCEPTANCE LOAN COMPANY, INC.
Faces and places
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out,” Thornton said. “You don’t store electricity. It’s produced and used.” The units are controlled from the Alabama Control Center in Birmingham. Thornton and six others handle regular inspections and maintenance. During high water events, the center will request spillway gates to be operated for a long period of time. “For a while it’s hectic raising gates, operating units and maintaining the reliability of plant equipment,” Thornton said. Partly because the lake is such a popular spot for fishing, a siren sounds and alerts that generation is about to commence, and a delay allows anyone near the dam to get to safety. As a reminder, PFDs are required for anyone within 800 feet of the dam. “A lot of people fish there. You see them on the coldest day of the year and on the hottest day of the year,” Thornton said. The water of the lake must be kept at a certain level. Lake Mitchell is a manmade reservoir created by the dam, which is part of the Lower Coosa Hydro
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Faces and places
Inside the dam: A photo of early Alabama Power President James Mitchell—the dam’s namesake—hangs in the lobby (above). Opposite page: A diagram serves as a teaching tool for visitors, who are taken inside the dam’s walkways.
also including Lay, Jordan and Bouldin. Employees can be drawn from these nearby plants if needed.
Each unit is turned off in the spring or fall for regular maintenance. They are cleaned, adjusted and the oil is filtered.
In one area of the plant, a pump is cut off so that the water level will rise, thereby lifting a small boat and allowing crewmen to perform pre-inspections. These outages must be scheduled and can be delayed due to rainfall. “Our fuel’s the rainfall, and if it’s
coming down and we can generate, we will postpone the outage,” Thornton explained. Thornton, who started his career in 1970, said this June saw the worst generation for hydroelectric power in more than 60 years.
But despite the unpredictability of nature, it’s his job to see that Mitchell Dam never skips a beat. “We want our customers to flip the switch and get the result they want, and not worry about how it’s made,” he said.
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ebenezer church
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benezer Baptist Church in Stanton was the site of a Civil War battle on April 1, 1865. According to the marker in front of the church, Lieutenant General Nathan Bedford Forrest led 1,500 Confederate cavalrymen into Union Army General James H. Wilson’s force of 7,500 near
Ebenezer, hoping to stall Wilson on his march toward an arsenal at Selma. Ebenezer’s pastor, Bro. Danny Rasberry, said people still visit the church hoping to find a rumored bullet hole on the exterior, but that was likely located at a previous building that burned in 1916. One clue to the past is
the cedar trees that tower over a cemetery up the hill behind the church. On a tombstone is written that the federal government asked the church not to cut down the trees because Union soldiers are buried there and the trees would serve as a memorial to the dead.
maplesville railroad depot
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irst built in the 1850s, Maplesville’s train depot marked the end of the age of the stagecoach in the town, as businesses moved to create the current downtown around the railroad. But as the automobile became the preferred means of transportation, the depot fell into disuse. The Maplesville Historical Society has worked to transform the depot into a
J
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Faces and places
museum. The society was founded in 2007 in an effort to prepare the town for its bicentennial celebration as part of former Gov. Bob Riley’s Great Alabama Homecoming initiative. One of the group’s first projects was to build a pictorial museum in the town’s historic depot, but the Historical Society’s work isn’t finished. Maplesville Heritage Day on April 14,
2012, included guided tours of historic structures, a showing of a DVD about town history and opening the museum to residents and visitors alike—along with vendors and a food court. Atchison said plans for the future include improving the grounds around the depot and making a town garden in the small triangle of land just across Highway 22 from the depot and transforming the entire depot into a museum.
veterans memorial
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he Chilton County Veterans Memorial stands in front of the county courthouse on Second Avenue North in Clanton as a reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The memorial bears the names of Chilton County residents who died in combat in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon and Iraq. Credit Morris Price for coming up with the idea while he worked as a property tax appraiser in the courthouse. Price, once a prisoner of war in Korea, also lost a brother in combat. A drive was started to raise funds for a monument in 1985, and the dream became reality on Memorial Day 1986. The committee that oversees the memorial is made up of the VFW, American Legion and DAV. Now every Memorial Day, each name is read aloud as a crowd of citizens gathers to pay tribute to these fallen heroes.
Faces and places
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stops along interstate
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Faces and places
65
N
ot stopping off of Exit 205 or 208 is difficult to do, especially when there are popular Chilton County attractions such as Durbin Farms Market, Heaton Pecan Farm and Peach Park right off the exits. For years, people traveling to and from beaches on the Gulf Coast have been stopping off Interstate 65 Exit 205 to enjoy the delicious summer treats at Durbin Farms Market and Peach Park. Durbin Farms Market averages 180-200 gallons of ice cream sold per day, during busy weekends in the summer. Gene and Francis Gray built Peach Park in 1984 so they wouldn’t have to haul peaches to New Orleans to sell them. Their two sons, Mark and Derek, still run the business. Danny Jones bought Durbin Farms Market in 2005, it seated 54 at the time and now seats about 200. Durbin’s and Peach Park have both evolved to be as attractive as possible to interstate travelers. At Durbin’s you can find peach pecan ice cream, while Peach Park specializes in caramel peach ice cream. Both businesses have undergone dramatic changes over the years. Durbin’s began as a seasonal fruit market located off Highway 31 in Clanton. Durbin’s now features a sandwich shop, fruit and vegetables of all kinds and a selection of plants and gifts. The business is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and closed only two days a year. Peach Park has added a garden area with walking path, a food menu featuring barbecue and a playground. For more information, contact Durbin Farms Market at 205755-1672 or Peach Park at 205-755-2065. Heaton Pecan Farm located on Interstate 65 off of Exit 208, also has treats and homemade delights for everyone to enjoy. John and Billie Heaton opened The Barn, which first began as a hobby, 10 years ago. John Heaton passed away, leaving the legacy to be carried on by his wife Billie, their son and grandchildren. The doors of the white barn, trimmed in green, are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Barn is known for its various pre-roasted pecan pleasures that are freshly made every day in the store’s kitchen. Milk chocolate and white chocolate pecan halves are the farm’s best sellers. Other pecan delicacies include: pecan brittle, pecan logs, billionaires, chocolate pecan bark, pralines, milk chocolate pecan fudge, peanut butter fudge, pecan pies, pecan pie tarts and pecan fruitcake. Most of these candies are available sugar free as well. Pecans are not the only things the Heaton’s have to offer. The Barn serves 11 assorted flavors of homemade ice cream and milkshakes; Belgian Waffles, salads, soups and grilled gourmet, specialty and deli-style sandwiches. Other favorites include their pecan chicken salad plates and homemade cakes. In addition to sweets and lunch, Heaton also sells gifts, home décor, jewelry and other items. For more information, please call 800-446-3531 or visit www.heaton.com.
helen jenkins chapel
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Faces and places
H
elen Jenkins Chapel, located on Concordia Avenue across from Thorsby High School is a window to the town’s past. The chapel is named after Helen Jenkins, a former principal of Thorsby school. Built in 1903 by Norwegian Lutherans who had been meeting in homes and business, the building served as a church until the early 1960s. The last Lutheran Pastor, however, served until 1911 and the church was sold to the Congregational Church. Local historian Jane Sutlive said many of the original settlers who came to Thorsby from the Northern U.S. had found life to be more difficult than expected. People came to the area and cleared the land, but many were not farmers and they looked for opportu-
nities elsewhere. As church members dwindled, the Lutherans had no choice but to sell the property. “People moved away,” she said. “A lot of their children moved away. They just didn’t have the congregation to keep it up.” The Congregational Church was a major supporter of Thorsby Institute, a private school open from 1906 through 1957. Many students and faculty members attended the church, so when the school disbanded the church followed soon thereafter. But the school would ultimately be what helped save the chapel. In the early 1960s the building was sold to the Masons and became the Thorsby Masonic Lodge. “The Masons had it until they gave it to the town in the late 1980s,” said
Sutlive. “The town allowed the board of education to use it as a band room for Thorsby High School until 1997.” The following year, the town formed a committee to restore the structure, which was in despair. “At the time, there weren’t many stained glass windows left,” Sutlive said. Graduates of Thorsby Institute, along with local businesses and other generous individuals, raised the money to restore the chapel back to its former glory. For a time in 2012, the chapel looked to be in danger when termite damage was discovered in crucial parts of the building. Luckily, the damage wasn’t as extensive as feared, and the town almost has the chapel to the point of being able to be rented out again.
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24-hour challenge
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he Perry Mountain 24-Hour Challenge is a yearly motorcycle race held at Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club on the first weekend in June. The event pits riders from all across the country against each other, against the 10-mile course and against the clock. The concept is simple: Go as hard as you can, as much as you can, as long as you can. The team/rider with the most laps completed after 24 hours wins the event. Riders tackle all kinds of terrain and elevation changes, gggggggalong with mechanical issues. There are over 14 classes of riders, with most entries coming from teams. Riders in the Ironman class, however, choose to take the challenge by themselves. The event brings in dozens of vendors and hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts from all across the country into Chilton County, as it is only one of two events like it in the nation.
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Faces and places
B
oth the Chilton County and Alabama Emergency Management Agency Headquarters are located in Clanton, separated by just a few miles on U.S. Highway 31. The AEMA serves as the coordinating agency for disaster preparation,
emergency management agency response, and recovery statewide. The fact that the AEMA is headquartered here provides the county with 100 jobs, not to mention the revenue that comes with it. On the county level, the Chilton County EMA helps prepare residents for all kinds of disasters and threats to
the area. This includes winter storms, tornados, fires, drought, and hazardous material spills. For more information on both the AEMA, visit www.ema.alabama.gov and for the Chilton County EMA, visit www.chiltonema.org.
confederate memorial park
T
he Confederate Memorial Park, which sits on 102 acres in Mountain Creek, originally opened in 1902 as the Old Soldiers Home for Confederate Army Veterans. It operated as that until 1939, when it closed. During its tenure as a retirement home it housed 650-800 residents. The last Civil War veteran at the home died in 1934, and five years later, the retirement home
was closed down. In 1964, the site was established by the State of Alabama as the Confederate Memorial Park as a part of the Civil War centennial. In 2007, the Park opened a museum dedicated to interpreting the life story of the average Alabama Confederate veteran from birth til old age. The museum contains several artifacts including uniforms, weapons and equipment used in battle.
In addition to the museum and former retirement home, the site includes Marbury Methodist Church, Mountain Creek Post Office, a nature trail and cemeteries where more than 250 Confederate veterans and wives are buried. The Park itself is free, but museum admission is $5. For more information about the park, call (205) 755-1990.
Faces and places
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higgins ferry park
T
he 25 acres of Higgins Ferry Park, owned by Alabama Power, has something for all ages to
enjoy. Families from near and far travel to Chilton County year-round to enjoy the leisure of the park, set up camp at one of its campsites or take their boat out on the lake. On any given weekend there can be anywhere from 150 to 175 boats on the water, and even more people in the park. Park Ranger/Manager Frank Atkinson can be found patrolling the land reassuring everything is in order for camping and boating visitors. The park features a playground for children, a pavilion and a 4- to 6- foot swimming area for everyone to enjoy. Large bass tournaments are help on Saturdays, which is one of the busiest times on the lake. Higgins Ferry Park, located at 11161 on County Road 28 in Clanton, is featured on approximately three websites. The park requires campers to make reservations because there is a limited amount of space. The park offers full serve electric hookups for RVs along with spots for primitive tent-camping. Renovations have been made to the park over the years. Two years ago, the park’s public boat launch was repaved and a 10-car parking lot for swimmers, located above the existing boat launch was constructed in June. For reservation and information, contact park ranger Frank Atchinson at 205755-5952 or pkranger@earthlink.net.
DR. LISA GREEN
ADULT & PEDIATRIC OPTOMETRY HWY. 31 • JEMISON
205-688-1010 38
Faces and places
junction park
T
ucked away off Highway 31 in Verbena, Junction Park is one of Chilton County’s newer tourist attractions. This secluded chalet sits near the junction of the Chestnut and Sandy creeks – hence the name, Junction Park. Last year, owners Steve and Jan Thomas
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Faces and places
started renting out the lodge-style home, which they rebuilt after the original house had sat in disrepair for years. The Thomases said they were initially drawn to the house because of its peaceful, scenic location and historic charm. Exposed wooden beams and hardwood floors
comprise the structure of the home, while numerous antiques the couple collected give it a rustic feel and hearken back to the olden days. Today, it serves as a quiet retreat only five minutes from Interstate 65 and with room for as many as 10 people.
minooka park
M
inooka Park, in Jemison, offers something for everyone. It is perhaps most famous for its ATV trails, among the best in the Southeast, but the park also has fishing, hiking, horseback riding, primitive and motor home camping and meeting space. There are multiple ATV trails that wind their way throughout the property’s 295 acres. There is also a 1-mile walking trail along the lake, which is stocked with bass and bluegill. The motor home campground is a big draw too. Local people and those traveling through onward to other destinations both have migrated to the park. General admission to the park is free. ATV/dirt bike riders pay a fee of $15 per day; for children 10 and under the fee is $5. Groups of 10 or more riders or members of a legitimate riding club pay $10. For more information about the park, call 287-1214 or 312-1376.
Dr. Douglas C. Clark Dr. Jason K. Dickerson
Dr. Seth Williams
Faces and places
41
hidden meadow vineyard
B
ill and Janette Bailey’s family owned Hidden Meadow Vineyard and Winery officially opened for business in Jemison on June 17, 2011. Bill became interested in starting his own winery six years ago, and now owns a four-acre vineyard at 664 County Road 606. The first grape vine was planted in 2005 and is still producing. Wine sold at Hidden Meadow is crafted on site from the vineyard’s fruit, which
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Faces and places
includes Muscadine (Noble, Carlos and Magnolia), Concord, Niagara and Cynthiana grapes. In addition to the vineyard, the winery includes a family-built wine selling and tasting house with a processing room behind it. The winery has a selection of 10 wines to choose from including sweet reds and whites and drier reds aged in oak. The vineyard’s homemade wines range from $12 to $18 a bottle. For now, Hidden Meadow’s wine will
only be available on site because they’re regulated as a small farm winery. In addition to buying bottled wine, visitors can sit out on the winery’s wooden porch overlooking the vineyard and have a glass of wine. The winery is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions or more information, call 688-4648 or visit their website at www.hiddenmeadowvineyard.com.
peach water tower
F
or 19 years, travelers on Interstate 65 have been greeted by the giant peach water tower, reminding them of what Chilton County is famous for. “They associate us with that tank,” Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver said. “They pretty well know where you’re talking about when you say that peach water tank.” The design was chosen because Clanton and Chilton County grow more peaches than anywhere else in the state. The water tower, located near Interstate 65 exit 212, was built in 1993 after city officials, including Driver, were returning from a business trip to Washington, D.C., and saw Gaffney, S.C.’s giant peach. Gaffney waived their ownership of the design so Clanton could build its version, which stands about 120 feet tall and holds about 500,000 gallons of water – about half the size of the original. Clanton spent $1.2 million on the tank, which was built by Chicago Bridge and Iron Company with Montgomerybased AME Engineering overseeing the
project. $200,000 in donations was collected, some from as far away as Naples, Fla.
New Jersey artist Peter Freudenberg painted the tank.
Chilton County in pictures... H undreds
of pictures to
view and purcHase at :
Clantonadvertiser.smugmug.com Faces and places
43
city of clanton City hall 505 2nd Avenue N P.O. Box 580 Clanton, AL 35046-0580 Phone number (205) 755-1105 Fax number (205) 755-7650
Website www.clanton.al.us
Zip code 35046-0580
Population 8,619 (as of Census 2010)
Elevation 600 feet (183 meters)
Land area 20.3 square miles square kilometers)
Mayor Billy Joe Driver (205) 755-4051
(52.7
City council Jeffrey Price (District 1), (205) 280-1792 Bobby Cook (District 2), (205) 755-3418 Robert K. (Bobby) Easterling (District 3), (205) 755-1561 Greg DeJarnett (District 4), (205) 755-4780 Mary Mell Smith (District 5), (205) 755-0410
city of jemison City hall 14 Padgett Lane Jemison, AL 35085 Mailing address: P.O. Box 609 Jemison, AL 35085 Phone number (205) 688-4492
Fax number (205) 688-1109 Website www.jemisonalabama.org Population 2,585 Land area 8.1 square miles (21.1 square
kilometers) Zip code 35085 Elevation 719 feet (219 meters) Mayor Eddie Reed P.O. Box 609
Jemison, AL 35085 (205) 688-4492 City council George Brasher (District 1) Donnie Lane (District 2) Robert Morris (District 3) Faye King (District 4) Sam Reed (District 5)
town of maplesville City hall P.O. Box 9 Maplesville, AL 36750
Email maplesvilletowno@bellsouth. net
Phone number (334) 366-4212
Population 708
Fax number (334) 366-4210
Land area 3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilometers)
Zip code 36750 Elevation 351 feet (107 meters) Mayor Aubrey Latham (205) 755-6646
Town council Mike Bearden, (334) 3662494 John Caudle, (334) 366-0035 Michael Abbott Ray Charles Mitchell, (334) 366-5081 Jim Threadgill, (334) 3661072
town of thorsby City hall P.O. Box 608 Thorsby, AL 35171 Phone number (205) 646-3575 Fax number (205) 646-2414
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Faces and places
Website www.townofthorsby.com
Zip code 35171
Population 1,820
Elevation 696 feet (212 meters)
Land area 5.2 square miles (13.4 square kilometers)
Mayor Dearl Hilyer (205) 646-2809
Town council Tara Hunt Jewell, (205) 6460262 Neil Benson, (205) 646-2936 Willis Britt, (205) 646-2647 Jean Nelson, (205) 646-2429 Marvin Crumpton, (205) 6463202
chilton county demographics The 2010 Census showed Chilton County’s population grew about 10 percent in the past decade. The most notable gain was in the number of Hispanic residents, while one disappointing development was Thorsby falling just short of earning the distinction of being classified a city instead of a town. Chilton County’s population now stands at 43,643, up 10.22 percent from the last official count 10 years ago of 39,593. During the past 20 years, Chilton County’s population has grown by more than a third. Chilton County was among the fastest growing counties in Alabama for Hispanic or Latino growth— increasing from 2,268 in 2000 to 3,420 in 2010, or 197 percent. Concerning race, the census showed Chilton County to be 84.1 white, 9.7 percent black and 0.3 percent Asian.
Along for the ride: Chilton County residents enjoy a ride at the annual Peach Jam, which is part of the Peach Festival.
Overall, Chilton County’s population grow 10.2 percent this past decade. With 43,643 residents, Chilton County ranks
30th out of 67 counties in terms of total population.
Faces and places
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important telephone numbers Emergencies: 911 ABC Board: 334-271-3840 Family Planning Office: 205-755-6973 American Red Cross: 205-755-0707 Family Violence Shelter: 205-263-0218 Appraisers Office: 205-755-0160 FBI: 334-263-1691 Auto Tag and Title: 205-755-1258 Food Stamps: 205-755-0578 Better Business Bureau: 800-824-5274 Forestry Commission: 800-242-2504 BOE Superintendant: 205-280-3000 Girl Scouts: 205-646-3938 Board of Registrars: 205-755-3820 Health Department: 205-755-1287 Boy Scouts: 800-977-2688 Chilton County Humane Society: 205755-9170 Bureau of Investigation: 334-242-4372 Human Resources: 205-755-3250
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Faces and places
Child Abuse: 205-755-8633 Industrial Development: 205-755-5934 or 205-755-1120 Jail: 205-755-1053 C.I.T.Y. Program: 205-755-2779 Park Ranger: 205-755-5952 Commission Office: 205-755-1551 Poison Control: 800-462-0800 Consumer Protection: 205-261-7334 Probate Judge: 205-755-1555 Council on Aging: 205-755-7817 Social Services: 205-755-8533 Department of Human Resources: 205280-2000 State Troopers: 205-755-1120 District Attorney’s Office: 205-755-4242 Tax Assessor: 205-755-0155 District Court: 205-755-7233 District Judge: 205-755-1558 Property Tax: 205-755-7228
Driver’s License: 205-755-155 Tag Division: 205-755-1258 Emergency Assistance Center: 205-7559467 Title and Mfg Home: 205-755-7257 Emergency Management Agency: 205755-0900 Sheriff: 205-755-4698 Engineer: 205-755-0530 Unemployment Services: 205-755-6695 Extension System: 205-755-3240 Veteran’s Service: 205-755-2912 Chilton Medical Center: 205-755-2500 Chilton/Shelby Mental Health: 205-7555933 Alabama Power Company: 205-7559666 Central Alabama Electric: 205-755-6068 Chilton County Water Authority: 205646-3300